HOTD 2 is a slow-burn continuation of the Dance of the Dragons!

House of the Dragon season 2, with its eight episodes, leaves you with much to ponder upon, from how it connects to the Game of Thrones universe to going beyond it! 

Season two of House of the Dragon leaves us with much food for thought. But before we get into that, in a broader view, I think in this season, the show focuses more on the internal battles of the characters, building them up, and the world of the seven kingdoms before the final battle ensues. It charts everyone's journey so that they can decide where they stand in this inevitable war between the Blacks and the Greens, leading the reign of the Targaryens to doom. Hence, we get to see a slow burn of a season with a constant clash between emotional reason and strategic politics that sets up the precedence for the ultimate feud for the rightful heir to sit on the Iron Throne. 

Also Read: We’re half way through House of the Dragon season 2 and the world of X sure has its opinions and memes to share!

Let's dive into the spoiler-filled details of HOTD 2!

The burden of Rhaenyra's legacy and Alicent craving freedom

Rhaenyra and Alicent are two peas in a pod, best friends who have been constantly pitted against each other because of their circumstances. This time, while Rhaenyra continues to uphold the burden of the legacy of peace and unity left by her father, Viserys, and build up her army, Alicent is seen repenting her decisions after being sidelined by everyone. Both women want to live in peace, away from all this but seem stuck in the vicious circle of Westeros that demands them to play their parts for the greater good. 

Aemond's impulsive vengeance and Daemon's mellowed-down maturity

Prince Aemond and King Consort Daemon are the mirroring selves of each other; as their loved ones betray them, they walk on a path to seek justice by being vengeant. But while Prince Aemond's angry youth, despite his intelligence, marks the path for his self-destruction, it has been an enlightening ride to see Daemon face his own demons and grow to be mature with age. 

The Dance of the Dragons and the politics of gender 

The ever-fascinating dragons, the most dangerous creatures with their own minds, whose dread is enough to win wars, are more understood as characters this time around. When they fight, only ashes remain. Hence, we finally get to see why it's called the Dance of the Dragons, and while Meleys' death hurts you, the rise of others makes you feel their power. We also understand that irrespective of time, this world run by men will never truly accept a woman as their leader. From Rhaenyra, Alicent to Rhaenys, each woman understands the cost of war and is trying to navigate the seven kingdoms to a better future, but it's the men and their desperate need for power, merciless bloodshed and revenge that always come in between. 

History impacting the future and the future paving the way for history 

What was incredibly interesting to see this season was how the easter eggs of Game of Thrones played a part in furthering the story rather than just becoming a homage. From the three-eyed raven, including Helaena, guiding Daemon to the enlightenment of the Song of Ice and Fire and the future of Targaryens seen in Khaleesi and the bastards and whores also getting to be a part of the war. Given it's a prequel to what happened in GoT, House of the Dragons layers the impact of the future on the story just as much history shaped the future seen in GoT. 

The philosophical storytelling of HotD overtakes the shock value of GoT

House of the Dragons, even though a part of the Game of Thrones universe, stands on its own firm ground whilst also trying to uphold the legacy of the glory of GoT and recover from its disappointing end. It understands that it is serving the audience who has grown an appetite for Game of Thrones, and hence, this season of HOTD could be seen as how the early seasons of GoT worked and established the base of the story in the entire series. It is also quite a self-aware show as it reiterates the point of inevitability and toys with the idea of design of the path of destiny and our freedom of choices, making HOTD 2 more of a philosophical storytelling where each episode, rather than leaving you in shock, leaves you in contemplation! 

House of the Dragon season 2 is currently streaming on JioCinemas! 

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